Brilliant self-trained American designer Paul McCobb collaborated with New York salesman B.G. Mesberg to create what is now a widely revered collection of mid-century modern furniture called the Planner Group. Produced by renowned manufacturer Winchendon Furniture Company, vintage Planner Group dressers, credenzas, chairs and other pieces bring honesty and heritage into any interior.
More than any other designer beside Russel Wright, the Massachusetts-born McCobb was arguably responsible for the introduction of modern design into middle-class American households — if for no other reason than that he designed the 1952 set for the original Today show.
Of McCobb’s cohesive lines of furnishings, his best-known Planner Group gave homes an instant “look.” McCobb designed for several companies, most notably Directional, the New York firm he cofounded with Mesberg that also produced designs by other legends such as Paul Evans and Vladimir Kagan.
Known for their superior quality and affordable prices aimed at new homeowners, vintage Winchendon case furniture, side tables and desks were must-have staples for middle-class Americans in the postwar years. McCobb and Mesberg’s Planner Group for the manufacturer boasts a wide range of furnishings created in woods such as walnut and maple.
McCobb drew on the simplicity of Shaker furniture and Windsor chairs and was an advocate for modular furniture. A new homeowner could plan for properly furnishing each room with the Planner collection — a brochure touted its versatility — beginning with a couple of pieces from the series and gradually introducing more seating, cabinets and tables, stacking and combining as needed.
McCobb shared the limelight with the likes of celebrated American designers Charles and Ray Eames and was supposed to appear in a 1961 issue of Playboy magazine — a mid-century tastemaker of sorts — alongside other designers such as Eero Saarinen, Harry Bertoia, Jens Risom and Edward Wormley. A social and charismatic figure, McCobb can be found in photos from a party that took place the night before, but he was too hungover the next day to join the photo shoot.
For more than a decade beginning in 1950, the Planner designs comprised the best-selling furniture suite in the United States.
Find vintage Planner Group furniture and other Paul McCobb furniture on 1stDibs.
Paul McCobb Planner Group Black and White Lacquer Double Pedestal Desk and Chair
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern double pedestal executive writing desk and spindle back chair By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group" USA, 1950s Solid bla...
Brass
Paul McCobb for Planner Group Mid Century 6 Drawer Dresser
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Paul McCobb for Planner Group Mid Century 6 Drawer Dresser This lowboy measures: 48 wide x 18.25 deep x 32.25 inches high We take our ph...
Wood
Pair of Paul McCobb Planner Group Maple "Step" End Tables
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Pair Paul McCobb for Planner Group, Winchendon Furniture #1589 Step Tables, 1950s-1960s. End Tables. Side Tables. Nightstands. Featuring solid two-tier rectangular form, deep single ...
Metal
Paul McCobb Planner Group Black Lacquered Extension Dinette Table, Refinished
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in South Bend, IN
A sleek and stylish Mid-Century Modern extension dinette table or game table By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group" USA, 1950s Solid maple construction, wi...
Maple, Lacquer
Paul McCobb Planner Group Mid-Century Modern Black Lacquered Writing Desk
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional minimalist Mid-Century Modern writing desk By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group" USA, 1950s Black lacquered solid maple, with original brass hard...
Brass
4x Planner Group Paul McCobb chairs, United States, 1950s
By Planner Group, Winchendon, Paul McCobb
Located in Nashville, TN
Item Details: 4x spindle-back dining chairs Creator: Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture Planner Group Series, labeled ...
Wood, Maple
Paul McCobb Planner Group Iron & Tobacco Finish Birch Higher Coffee Table, Bench
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Early Paul McCobb Winchendon Planner Group high Coffee Table, Bench. Bed End Bench. Nightstand, 1950s. Featuring an open sturdy rectangular, braced thre...
Iron
Paul McCobb Black Nightstand, Planner Group by Winchendon Furniture, 1950s
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb, Winchendon
Located in Miami, FL
Mid-Century Modern vintage black nightstand or side table model no. 1586 designed by Paul McCobb for his modular Planner Group line made by Winchendon Furniture in the 1950s. The nig...
Brass
Paul McCobb Planner Group Ebonized and Upholstered Lounge Chair, 1950s
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare early Mid-Century Modern 3082-E club chair or lounge chair By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group" USA, 1950s Elegant ebonized sculpted solid maple frame, ...
Upholstery, Maple
Planner Group Drop-Leaf Table by Paul McCobb for Winchendon
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in Asbury Park, NJ
Solid dining table with two leaves by Paul McCobb as part of the Planner Group of furniture for Winchendon. A straightforward, egalitarian dining ta...
Wood, Birch
1950s Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Planner for Group Dining Chairs
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in Charleston, SC
A set of four dining chairs Designed by Paul McCobb's iconic for Winchendon Furniture Planner Group series, manufactured from 1950-1964. These chairs have been professionally resto...
Maple
Paul McCobb Planner Group Black Lacquered Lounge Chair, 1950s
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Mid-Century Modern club chair or lounge chair By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group" USA, 1950s Black lacquered walnut frame, with upholstered seat an...
Upholstery, Walnut, Lacquer
Mid-Century Modern Credenza by Paul McCobb for Planner Group #1513
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Time capsule condition low credenza/hutch by Paul McCobb for The Planner Group. Model #1513. Mostly solid wood construction with some veneer on the trim. A nice rich walnut finish. T...
Glass, Wood
Paul McCobb Planner Group Birch and Iron Coffee Table or Bench, 1950s
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb, Winchendon
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern coffee table or bench By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group" USA, 1950s Iron frame, with solid birch top. Measures: 59.5"W x 1...
Iron
Paul McCobb Sectional Corner Sofa Custom Craft/ Planner Group Newly Upholstered
By Paul McCobb, Custom Craft Inc., Planner Group
Located in Berlin, DE
Sectional corner sofa by Paul McCobb for Custom craft or Planner Group, US. Newly upholstered with fabric by Chase Erwin.
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood
Paul McCobb for Planner Group Mid Century Maple and Wrought Iron Side Table
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Paul McCobb for Planner Group Mid Century Maple and Wrought Iron Side Table This side table measures: 28 wide x 20 deep x 22.25 inches high We take our photos in a controlled light...
Wrought Iron
Paul McCobb Planner Group Black Lacquered Dining Table, Newly Refinished
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in South Bend, IN
A sleek and stylish Mid-Century Modern extension dining table By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group" USA, 1950s Maple, with black lacquered finish. Measures: 54...
Maple, Lacquer
Paul McCobb Credenza by Winchendon Perimeter Group
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This vintage Paul McCobb Perimeter Group credenza features double-sided cabinets, drawers for storage, and unique ebonized finish. Classic McCobb drawe...
Wood
Paul McCobb Planner Group Black and White Lacquered Writing Desk, Refinished
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional minimalist Mid-Century Modern writing desk By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group" USA, 1950s Black and white lacquered solid maple, with brass har...
Brass
Paul McCobb Planner Group Model 1500 Maple & Black Single Drawer Cabinet, 1950s
By Paul McCobb, Winchendon, Planner Group
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Paul McCobb Planner Group for Winchendon Single Drawer Maple Nightstand. Cabinet. End Table. Featuring a Black lacquered surround with solid Maple Drawer, original Aluminum donut rin...
Aluminum
1950s Paul McCobb Iron Rod Birch Sofa End Tables Vintage Mid-Century
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in Hyattsville, MD
1950s rare early Paul McCobb iron rod sofa end tables. Pair of solid staved Canadian Birch surfaces on 1/2 inch iron rod bases and plastic feet on each leg ti...
Iron
Paul McCobb Planner Group Black Lacquered Extension Dining Table, Refinished
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in South Bend, IN
A sleek and stylish Mid-Century Modern extension dining table By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group" USA, 1950s Maple, with black lacquered finish. Meas...
Maple, Lacquer
Paul McCobb for Planner Group Mid Century 3 Drawer Chest Dresser
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Paul McCobb for Planner Group Mid Century 3 Drawer Chest Dresser This chest measures: 36 wide x 18.25 deep x 33.5 high We take our photos in a controlled lighting studio to show as...
Wood
Paul McCobb Planner Group Mid-Century Modern Spindle Back Dining Chairs, 4/Set
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in Southampton, NJ
An exceptional set of iconic Mid-Century Modern solid Maple spindle back dining chairs by Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group" USA, 1950s. Dimensions: 19.5"W x 19.5...
Maple
Original Paul McCobb Planner Group Model 1580 Maple & Wrought Iron Coffee Table
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Vintage Paul McCobb Planner Group for Winchendon Model 1580 Maple & Iron Coffee Table. Featuring a professionally refinished sturdy, balanced and Black enameled Wrought Iron x fr...
Iron
Square Coffee Side Table By Paul McCobb Planner Group For Winchendon
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid century modern, solid maple, coffee or side/end table by Paul McCobb, Planner Group for Winchendon features a square top with tapered splayed legs in the iconic style of McCobb P...
Maple
Paul McCobb Maple Double Dresser Planner Group by Winchendon Furniture, 1950s
By Paul McCobb, Winchendon, Planner Group
Located in Miami, FL
Mid-Century Modern vintage six-drawer dresser model no. 1509 designed by Paul McCobb for his modular Planner Group line made by Winchendon Furniture in the 1950s. The cabinet can be ...
Aluminum
Paul McCobb Planner Group Black and White Lacquered Double Pedestal Desk, 1950s
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern double pedestal executive writing desk By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group" USA, 1950s Solid black and white lacquered birch,...
Brass
Paul McCobb Planner Group Iron and Reed Side Table
By Planner Group, Winchendon, Paul McCobb
Located in New Windsor, NY
Planner Group side table designed by Paul McCobb for Winchendon. Circa 1955. Featuring a birch top, iron frame and split reed lower shelf. Good overall honest wear and overall condit...
Iron
1950s Paul McCobb 4-Drawer Correspondence Letter Chest Jewelry Box Dresser
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in Hyattsville, MD
A wonderful tabletop letter cabinet for desktop or atop a dresser. It is in original unrestored condition and finish. Some wear to top surface and nor...
Steel
Paul McCobb for Planner Group Mid Century Sliding Door Cabinet with Hutch - Pair
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Paul McCobb for Planner Group Mid Century Sliding Door Cabinet with Hutch - Pair Each chest of drawers measures: 36 wide x 18 deep x 33.5 inches high Each hutch measures: 36 wide x ...
Wood
Paul McCobb Planner Group White Lacquer and Brass Twin Headboards, Refinished
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous pair of Mid-Century Modern twin headboards By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group" USA, 1950s White lacquered maple, with brass spindles. Meas...
Brass
Jewelry Chest by Paul McCobb Planner Group, Ten Drawers, Original Brass Pulls
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in Kansas City, MO
Ten-drawer Paul MccCobb Planner Group jewelry cabinet with original brass pulls. Very good completely original condition with some signs of wear and scratches which should be evident...
Brass
Paul McCobb Planner Group Cabinet on Bench for Winchendon
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in Berlin, DE
Rare combination of a green and black McCobb Cabinet on a white McCobb Bench. Original very good condition with some lacquer chips.
Maple
1950s Model 1531 Dining Chair for Planner Group & Winchendon Furniture
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group, Winchendon
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Model 1531 Dining Chair, originally designed by Paul McCobb for Planner Group and Winchendon. This particular example dates to the 1950s. The chair's design is comprised en...
Maple
$3,800Sale Price / set|20% Off
Four Paul McCobb Winchendon Open Back Dining Chairs
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in Chicago, IL
Rarely offered set of four Paul McCobb for Winchendon maple dining chairs with open back and large curved top rail. Free of ornamentation, the clean lined shape is only broken up by ...
Maple
Paul McCobb for Planner Group Espresso-Stained Credenza
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in Dallas, TX
Sleek midcentury credenza/sideboard by Paul McCobb for Planner Group, 1950s. Stained in an espresso-colored stain. The sideboard has brass pulls and a single adjustable shelf on each...
Brass
Paul McCobb Planner Group Sliding Door Credenza with Drawers, Classic Modernist
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in Buffalo, NY
From the Paul McCobb Modular Planner Group line of Winchendon Furniture. Solid maple cabinet holds three drawers on one side single drawer with adj...
Grasscloth, Maple
Modernist Drop leaf Planner Group Bar Cart Table by Paul McCobb . wood & iron
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in Buffalo, NY
Rare Midcentury bar cart #1250 designed by Paul McCobb for planner group collection, circa 1950. Featuring one dove-tail drawer and 2 fold down leaves. Retains Original finish / pati...
Iron
Mid-Century Coffee Table by Paul McCobb for Planner Group
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in Raleigh, NC
Mid-century minimalistic coffee table designed by Paul McCobb for Planner Group, USA. This low-profile coffee table is made from beautifully crafted solid maple wood. Flared long leg...
Wood, Maple
Solid Birch Planner Group Mid-Century Modern Credenza Long Dresser Paul McCobb
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Nice wooden handles three compartments three drawers Paul McCobb credenza. Nice TV base cabinet. Excellent original vintage condition with beautiful wood grain.
Birch
Paul McCobb for Planner Group Mid Century 2 Tier Corner Table
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Paul McCobb For Planner Group mid century 2 tier corner table The table measures: 30 wide x 30 deep x 21 inches high All pieces of furnitur...
Wood
Nicely Refinished Paul McCobb for Winchedon Planner Group Blond Chest of Drawers
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in Ferndale, MI
Nicely refinished McCobb for Winchendon blonde maple chest of drawers with aluminum ring pulls . Early branded mark inside drawer.
Aluminum
Paul McCobb for Planner Group Mid Century Expanding Dining Table with 2 Leaves
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Paul McCobb for Planner Group mid century expanding dining table with 2 leaves This table measures: 42.5 wide x 41.75 deep x 29 high, with a chair clearance of 28.25 inches, each ...
Wood
Paul McCobb Planner Group Mid-Century Modern Upholstered Lounge Chair, 1950s
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in South Bend, IN
An outstanding Mid-Century Modern wingback lounge chair By Paul McCobb for Custom Craft Furniture, "Planner Group" USA, 1950s Gorgeous gray upholstery, with sleek tapered solid ma...
Upholstery, Maple
Paul McCobb Planer Group Maple Wrought Iron Side Table
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Minimal, mid century modern, side table by Paul McCobb for Planner Group features a wrought iron frame with graduated tiers of maple and slat maple. The lower tier is 6.5 inches heig...
Wrought Iron
Paul McCobb for Planner Group Mid Century Ebonized 6 Drawer Dresser
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Paul McCobb for Planner Group Mid Century Ebonized 6 Drawer Dresser This dresser measures: 48 wide x 18 deep x 33.25 inches high Fair Vintage Condition - Finish on Dresser is Heavi...
Wood
$1,575Sale Price / item|30% Off
Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Full Bed Headboard Maple Iron Rare
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Rare Mid-Century Modern Paul Mccobb full bed headboard maple and iron. All solid maple construction, tobacco blonde maple finish, iron details. You are buying 1 headboard. No bed fra...
Iron
Paul McCobb Planner Group Two-Piece Modular Chest of Drawers on Bench, 1950s
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in South Bend, IN
A sleek and stylish Mid-Century Modern two-piece modular dresser or chest of drawers on bench/table By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group" USA, 1950s Black lacqu...
Aluminum
Set of Five Different Paul McCobb Planner Group Chairs for Winchendon
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in Berlin, DE
Curated set of five chairs by Paul McCobb planner group for Wichendon. Chairs are in good condition with a vintage patina. All chairs are recently glued.
Iron
Paul McCobb for Planner Group Winchendon Modular Ebonized Maple Dresser
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-Century Modern, modular dresser system by Paul McCobb for Planner Group, Winchendon features two 24 x 18 x 8.5 inch dressers with signature aluminu...
Aluminum
Paul McCobb Planner Group Mid-Century Modern Upholstered Lounge Chairs, Pair
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in South Bend, IN
An outstanding pair of Mid-Century Modern wingback lounge chairs By Paul McCobb for Custom Craft Furniture, "Planner Group" USA, 1950s Gorgeous gray upholstery, with sleek tapered...
Upholstery, Maple
Set of 4 Dining Chairs by Paul McCobb for the Winchendon Furniture Co.
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Set of four dining chairs designed by Paul McCobb for the Winchendon Furniture (Planner Group) Co. Solid maple with a spindle supported backrest and signature inlay screw on each sea...
Wood
Paul McCobb Planner Group Solid Birch Dresser or Chest of Drawers, Refinished
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in South Bend, IN
A sleek and stylish Mid-Century Modern three-drawer dresser or chest of drawers By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group" USA, 1950s Solid birch, with original bras...
Brass
Paul McCobb Planner Group Mid-Century Modern Black Lacquered Dining Table
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in South Bend, IN
A sleek and stylish Mid-Century Modern extension dinette table or game table By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group" USA, 1950s Solid maple construction, with bla...
Maple, Lacquer
Paul McCobb Planner Group for Winchendon Furniture Solid Maple Side Chair c.1950
By Planner Group, Winchendon, Paul McCobb
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT Mid-century Paul McCobb Planner Group dining or desk chair, the Planner Group was the most successful design of McCobb's career with it's Shaker influenced aesthetic and the ex...
Maple
Set of Three Paul McCobb Wrought Iron Stools, Mid-Century Modern, USA
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in Berlin, DE
Paul McCobb Iron stools with new light leather upholstery.
Iron
Paul McCobb Planner Group Black Lacquered Dining or Game Table, Newly Refinished
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern game table or dining table By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group" USA, 1950s Black lacquered solid birch. Measures: 32"W x 32"...
Birch, Lacquer
Expertly Restored - Paul McCobb "Bowtie" Dining Chairs for Winchendon Furniture
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Paul McCobb "Bowtie" dining chairs for Winchendon Furniture. Materials: Walnut-Stained Maple Wood, Italian Full-Grain Leather, New High-Density Foam _______________________________...
Leather, Foam, Walnut, Wood, Maple
$2,560Sale Price|20% Off
Paul McCobb Planner Group Attributed Etagere in White Iron and Light Maple
By Winchendon, Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in Charleston, SC
A two piece satin white iron and light toned maple wood bookcase / etagere designed by Mid Century icon Paul McCobb . Sitting on a matching bench styled platform manufactured by the ...
Iron